In what could be one of the most outrageous transfer sagas of the summer, Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Manchester City’s midfield general Rodri. The Spanish giants are said to be eyeing a move for the 27-year-old in the upcoming window—but here’s the kicker: they want to get him for a shockingly low fee, a move that is already raising eyebrows across Europe.

Los Blancos’ Ambitious Plan

According to sources close to the club, Real Madrid view Rodri as a “dream target” to bolster their midfield next season. With Luka Modrić nearing the twilight of his glittering career and Toni Kroos announcing his retirement after Euro 2024, the Madrid hierarchy are preparing for a generational shift in the center of the park. Rodri, who combines tactical intelligence, physical dominance, and Spanish flair, is seen as the ideal successor.

More importantly, Rodri’s deep roots in Spanish football—having emerged from Atlético Madrid before his 2019 switch to City—make him a tantalizing prospect for a return to La Liga. He is viewed not just as a midfield anchor, but as a long-term pillar of Madrid’s post-Kroos-Modrić era.

A Laughable Price Tag

Here’s where things take a turn. Despite Rodri’s status as arguably City’s most irreplaceable player—one who famously missed only one game last season, resulting in a rare loss for Guardiola’s men—Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to meet the kind of fee that would even remotely reflect his value.

Rumors suggest the Spanish giants are exploring a deal worth in the range of €60–70 million, a figure insiders at Manchester City are said to find “insulting.” For context, City paid €70 million for Rodri in 2019, and his value has since skyrocketed due to his role in helping the club win a historic treble in 2023 and dominate English football with machine-like consistency.

Why the Deal is Nearly Impossible—But Not Entirely Dead

There are numerous obstacles standing in Madrid’s way. First and foremost: Rodri is untouchable in Pep Guardiola’s system. He is the metronome, the heartbeat, and often the brain of the team. Guardiola himself has gone on record calling Rodri “the most important player in our system,” a sentiment echoed by countless pundits and teammates alike.

Then there’s the contract situation. Rodri’s current deal runs until 2027, and there have been no public signs of unrest or desire to leave the Etihad. He is settled, respected, and adored at City—and crucially, he’s still in his prime.

However, Madrid are playing the long game. With their reputation for luring even the biggest stars—think Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, or more recently Jude Bellingham—there’s a quiet belief that if Rodri’s personal desires align with theirs, and if City begin planning for a future without him, the door could be nudged open.

Madrid’s Midfield Puzzle

There’s also a strategic angle to consider. Real Madrid have already assembled a crop of young midfielders—Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham—but none possess the same level of defensive poise and positional discipline that Rodri offers. Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly convinced that adding a player of Rodri’s profile would complete the puzzle and cement Los Blancos’ dominance for the next decade.

City’s Stance: Hands Off

Manchester City, for their part, are standing firm. There is zero intention to sell. In fact, insiders believe the club will soon look to improve Rodri’s contract and make him one of the highest earners to ward off any potential suitors.

But Real Madrid have a habit of testing the waters with bold moves—and even more so, a track record of turning unlikely pursuits into historic transfers.

Verdict

As it stands, a summer transfer for Rodri to the Bernabéu looks wildly unrealistic—if not outright impossible. But this is football. And in football, especially where Real Madrid are concerned, “impossible” is just another word for “not yet.”

So while City fans can rest easy for now, the idea of Rodri in white has been planted—and this blockburn of a rumor might just keep growing.